morphogen

noun

mor·pho·gen | \ ˈmȯr-fə-jən

, -ˌjen\

Definition of morphogen

: a diffusible chemical substance that exerts control over morphogenesis especially by forming a gradient in concentration

Examples of morphogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers continue to study morphogens as a source of developmental information in the nervous system, for example. — Quanta Magazine, "Brainless Embryos Suggest Bioelectricity Guides Growth," 13 Mar. 2018 Researchers continue to study morphogens as a source of developmental information in the nervous system, for example. — Adam Rogers, WIRED, "Brainless Embryos Suggest Bioelectricity Guides Growth," 18 Mar. 2018 But organic explanations like morphogens and bioelectricity didn’t stay in the limelight for long. — Adam Rogers, WIRED, "Brainless Embryos Suggest Bioelectricity Guides Growth," 18 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'morphogen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.